News

All the rage

Today's must-have toy can present after-school clubs with a dilemma - ignore them or try to incorporate them? Miranda Walker offers clubs suggestions for coping : every playworker knows that when it comes to toys and play equipment, a desire for the latest trend or fad can sweep through children at a breathtaking pace. And the mass appeal of these items can be over just as quickly. Pokemon Cards, Micro-scooters and Cyber Pets have had their day, and new products are taking their place. So what implications does this have for clubs?

: every playworker knows that when it comes to toys and play equipment, a desire for the latest trend or fad can sweep through children at a breathtaking pace. And the mass appeal of these items can be over just as quickly.

Pokemon Cards, Micro-scooters and Cyber Pets have had their day, and new products are taking their place. So what implications does this have for clubs?

GOOD BUYS?

It does seem that the latest trends are often the kinds of toys that clubs are unlikely to buy. This may be because the equipment doesn't seem durable, or has limited opportunities for group play. Some popular items may be rejected because of a connection to violence (wrestling figures and the like), or perhaps the playworkers perceive 'faddy' items as unlikely to provide good value for money in the long term. Maybe an item is out of fashion before a club has even had the time to work its purchase into the budget.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here